Thailand had to show patience to secure victory over a resilient Malaysia at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Chasing a record-extending eighth title, Thailand had to wait till the 57th minute to open the scoring, with Patrick Gustavsson doing the honours.

The win took Thailand to six points, with the defending champions having started their campaign with a 10-0 defeat of Timor-Leste on Sunday, with Singapore up next for them on Tuesday.

Singapore had to wait till the 76th minute to open the scoring at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, with Kyoga Nakamura's spot-kick finally breaking Timor-Leste's resistance.

Having opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Cambodia, Shawal Anuar doubled

Singapore's lead in the 83rd minute when he tucked home a cross, with the goal awarded after a VAR review.

Shawal then made sure of the points with a 90th minute effort and Singapore, chasing a fifth title, will relish facing Thailand on Tuesday, where victory for either team will confirm their semi-final spot.

Group B action on Sunday will see Laos playing Philippines and Vietnam facing Indonesia.